The “Waves of Rock: Battle of the Bands” is among the government’s continuing initiatives to broaden public understanding of the West Philippine Sea issue, commemorate the country’s 2016 Arbitral Award victory, and encourage active citizen participation in safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Music took center stage as government agencies and local partners tapped the creative talents of young Filipinos to promote patriotism and strengthen public awareness of the country’s sovereign rights during the “Waves of Rock: Battle of the Bands” held on July 11 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.
The event, organized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 1st Civil Relations Group (1CRG) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and other stakeholders, formed part of the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Philippines’ landmark 2016 Arbitral Award on the West Philippine Sea.
Participating bands competed by performing one selected song and one original composition inspired by the theme, “Ang tagumpay sa West Philippine Sea ay tagumpay ng bawat Pilipino, isang paalala na sa pagkakaisa, napagtitibay ang ating bayan.” The performances highlighted patriotism, national unity, and the importance of protecting the country’s maritime rights.
Brig. Gen. Eugenio Julio Osias, commander of the 703rd Brigade, said the competition was designed to engage younger audiences through a medium they could easily relate to.
“The main purpose of everything happening today is to educate and raise awareness among our fellow Filipinos through music,” Osias said, noting that songs can effectively reinforce the government’s continuing information campaign on the West Philippine Sea.
He added that while there are many ways to communicate important national issues, music offers a unique opportunity to inspire greater appreciation of the country’s sovereignty, particularly among the youth.
NICA Regional Director Ulysses Untalan echoed the significance of the initiative, saying music has always been a powerful force in bringing Filipinos together while conveying meaningful messages.
“Music allows us to express unity and encourage young people to become more aware of the realities surrounding the West Philippine Sea,” Untalan said.
Provincial Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President John Carlo Cruz emphasized that the youth play a vital role in nation-building, urging young Filipinos to use their talents and platforms to promote patriotism and civic responsibility.
“We are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; we are active stakeholders of our nation today,” Cruz said.
The “Waves of Rock: Battle of the Bands” is among the government’s continuing initiatives to broaden public understanding of the West Philippine Sea issue, commemorate the country’s 2016 Arbitral Award victory, and encourage active citizen participation in safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights. (PIA Region 3 – Pampanga)